After Chiang Ching-kuo's death, a native islander takes power

The announcement signaled the end of one of the century's longest-running political dynasties, a father-to-son reign that lasted more than six decades but also saw its dominion shrink from the world's most populous nation to a ( small island off the mainland of China. Shortly after 8 p.m. last Wednesday, programming on Taiwan's government-owned television and radio stations was suddenly interrupted. Premier Yu Kuo-hwa was shown addressing the central standing committee of the ruling Kuomintang (Nationalist Party). Speaking in somber, measured tones, he announced that President Chiang Ching-kuo, 77, son of Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek, had died of heart failure in Taipei,...